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First Mate Marine Inc.

Product Overview


Complete Marine PV Solar Systems

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90 Watt Solar Panel with Sun Tracker Mount and Lifting Crane
Figuring out the size of solar panel you need and matching it up with the various accessories required for a complete high performance system can be a daunting task.  That is why our engineers have developed easy to install kits that contain everything you need for your solar system.

Our kits include:
  • Solar panel
  • Top-of-pole Sun Tracker mounting system
  • Pole and pole brackets
  • Charge controller
  • Wiring
  • Instructions
  • Optional Lifting Crane

Click for more information about our complete solar systems

See our Gallery of Installations for ideas on mounting your solar panel.



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Take a look at
LiFe PO4 battery specifications here..



<== Click the battery to shop for the best battery solutions to suit your needs.

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Bluetooth equipped to monitor battery with free App
 LiFePO4 Marine Batteries

LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) is a lithium-ion battery technology that is safe, powerful and plug compatible with most lead acid battery charging systems.

This battery technology offers many advantages over lead acid technology including high capacity storage, delivery of consistent high power, longer cycle life, less weight, longer shelf life and rapid charging.

Advantages of CMPower  LiFePO4 marine batteries
  •     Lighter than lead acid (generally half the weight)
  •     Can be drawn down 90% vs 50%
  •     Hold a steady voltage through 95% discharge
  •     Generally plug compatible with lead acid chargers
  •     Charge more quickly than lead acid batteries
  •     Up to 10 times more charge cycles than lead acid and AGM batteries – could last a lifetime.
  •     Nontoxic and safe, very low fire risk
  •     Low self-discharge – easy winter storage
  •     Bluetooth equipped to monitor battery with free App
  • ​    They are more expensive than lead acid  however their advantages and longevity often outweigh the additional investment.

Solar Panel Mounting Systems

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Sun Tracker Solar Panel Mounting System
We offer both top-of-pole Sun Tracker solar panel mounting and custom designed bimini frame

Our top-of-pole solar panel mount uses a unique tilt locking mechanism which enables 13 tilt angles for effective solar tracking. These panel mounts fit on a 1.5  inch OD rotating stainless steel pole and can be customized to fit most solar panels. The pole is easily attached to your boat stern rail using our pole brackets.   Moving the panel several time a day to track the sun can increase panel output by 30%.

See our Blog or our Power Consumption Worksheet for information on how to size a solar panel for your needs.

Click for more information about solar panel mounting systems.

An optional Outboard Motor Lift can be attached to the pole adding function and saving space and money.
mounting.


Marine Solar Panels

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130 Watt Solar Panel
Our solar panels are highly efficient and built to our rigid specifications.  They are strong and nearly square in shape and are ideal for top-of-pole and bimini frame mounting applications.
The panels we offer are designed to withstand the rigors of the marine environment.

We offer top-of-pole solar panel mounting kits designed to accommodate a wide range of solar panel manufacturers.  We also offer kits specific to our 100, 105, 130, 140, 150 and 160 watt panels.

Click for more information about our solar panels.


Charge Controllers and Wire

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Dual Battery Bank Controller with Remote Display
A charge controller regulates the voltage and current coming from your solar panels to your batteries.  Most "12 volt" panels put out between 16 to 20 volts, so if there is no regulation the batteries may be damaged from overcharging.   Most batteries need 14 to 14.5 volts to achieve a full charge.

Many boats are equipped with two battery banks.  Our controller is designed specifically for charging two independent battery banks.

Click for more information about charge controllers.


Outboard Motor Lift Crane

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Lift Crane for Hoisting an Outboard Motor
Our lift crane is designed to lift light loads up to 250 pounds.   This crane is handy for lifting your outboard motor, provisions, or equipment to and from a dinghy.  Simply lift the support line off the end of the crane arm and fold the arm against to pole for easy, out-of-the-way storage.

The lift crane pole can also accommodate our solar panel mount creating one integrated unit.




Click for more information about our lift crane.





Click here to see: Home Page    Complete Solar Systems     Solar Panels      Mounting Systems    Controllers    Lift Crane    LED Lamps

Innovating Recreational Boating - Marine Solar Panels, Solar Panel Mounting Systems, Lifting Cranes, LED Lighting and More, Call  360.301.5968